BRIEFING. 2. Dr Khaled Machaca, Associate Dean for Research, WCMC-Q, presented the young scientists with their certificates. INTERNATIONAL QF in the global media Devex Impact, a partnership of global development platform Devex and the United States Agency for International Development [USAID], referenced the World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE), a global initiative of Qatar <strong>Foundation</strong>, in an article titled 'Let's applaud our silent heroes for social change'. <strong>The</strong> article, written by Sébastien Turbot and published on 8 September 2015, described how an emerging number of honors now exists to honor 'advocates of social change who are working persistently in all corners of the world to spur positive socio-economic impact.’ Specifically, Turbot referenced the WISE Prize for Education, the first distinction of its kind to recognize an individual or a team for an outstanding, world-class contribution to education. ‘For instance, the Qatar <strong>Foundation</strong>’s WISE Prize for Education, which honors an individual for distinguished contribution to education, was only established in 2009,’ he wrote. ‘Until then, there was no international distinction that acknowledged the efforts of grassroots’ practitioners to address challenges linked to education, an issue that impacts and affects billions globally.’ Qatari Biomedical Research Program trainees honored RESEARCH 3. Six Qatari research trainees completed the fifth edition of the Biomedical Research Training Program for Nationals of Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar (WCMC-Q), a partner university of Qatar <strong>Foundation</strong> (QF). <strong>The</strong> program is coordinated with Qatar Science Leadership Program, a research and development entity under QF, and offers graduates experience in developing extensive practical research skills. Across a total of six months, the training program consists of training in data analysis and clinical research; an internship in bench research, research administration, and clinical research; and an introduction to writing and communication skills for research scientists. In presenting the certificates, Dr Khaled Machaca, Associate Dean for Research, WCMC-Q, said: “I offer my warmest congratulations to these highly talented young researchers for showing the perseverance and dedication needed to complete this challenging course.” 4. QNCC lauded as global venue of choice EVENTS <strong>The</strong> event included arts and crafts activities for children. 7. Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC), a member of Qatar <strong>Foundation</strong>, recorded a high level of customer satisfaction in a survey carried out during its peak event period. <strong>The</strong> QF member's reputation as a premier global venue was bolstered by the results of the survey, conducted among international and regional clients to gain feedback on event management services. <strong>The</strong> venue received an 87 percent customer satisfaction rating for events held between January and June 2015, a time when 179 events for global, regional, and internal clients were hosted. When compared to similar venues, QNCC was rated ‘excellent’ and the overall evaluation of its capabilities in terms of IT facilities and response to IT requirements was also excellent. <strong>The</strong> venue was also rated outstanding in terms of its capabilities for meeting client expectations. Ken Jamieson, General Manager, QNCC, said: “We are thrilled with the results of our survey, which reinforces to our team that their tireless efforts and long hours have yielded positive results.” QNL marks new academic year with educational event for school children LEARNING QNRF receives joint research proposals in new program 5. PARTNERSHIP Qatar National Research Fund (QNRF), a research and development funding entity of Qatar <strong>Foundation</strong> (QF), has begun accepting proposal submissions to its ‘Qatar/UK Research Networking Programme’. <strong>The</strong> joint research program, launched in partnership with the UK Government’s Science and Innovation Network, <strong>The</strong> British Council, and UK Higher Education International Unit, reflects QNRF’s commitment to promoting collaboration with British researchers – the results of which will boost QF’s mission to build Qatar’s innovation and technology capacity. Under the program, two-member teams, comprising a researcher from Qatar and one from the UK, are invited to submit proposals to QNRF to organize research workshops in Qatar. During these workshops, senior scientists will mentor their junior colleagues in order to plan and submit future joint research bids which aim to secure funding from Qatar or UK research entities. Program submissions will be reviewed before the results are announced in December 2015. Qatar National Library (QNL), a member of Qatar <strong>Foundation</strong>, hosted a special educational and entertainment event for children and their families to mark the beginning of the new academic year on 27 August 2015. Hosted at Education City Clubhouse, the ‘Back to School’ event demonstrated QNL’s continued commitment to initiatives and programs that nurture creativity and imaginative thinking among young people. Children took part in a variety of educational activities during the event, including arts, crafts, songs, and storytelling. Youngsters were encouraged to work together on the different creative projects, sharing stories, while preparing for the new school year. In addition to developing and improving communication skills among youth, the event continued the cultural and historic tradition of sharing spoken stories. 6. INNOVATION WISH presents research at global health forum <strong>The</strong> World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH), a global initiative of Qatar <strong>Foundation</strong> (QF), presented its Global Diffusion of Healthcare Innovation (GDHI) at the Global Forum on Research and Innovation for Health 2015. At the event, held in Manila, Philippines, from 24-27 August 2015, Dr Oliver Keown, Clinical Advisor and Policy Fellow at the Institute of Global Health Innovation, Imperial College London, and Private Secretary to Professor the Lord Darzi of Denham, Executive Chair, WISH, presented WISH’s GDHI research in a session titled:‘From evidence to policy – thinking outside the box’ to highlight the need for innovation in healthcare. <strong>The</strong> research aims to inspire other countries to implement the best methods and ideas in patient treatment. “Our Global Diffusion of Healthcare Innovation study has delivered invaluable insight to the behaviors and practices within healthcare organizations that support the spread of innovation and best practice." said Dr Keown. 4 www.qf.org.qa 5